Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. They are essential for expressing routines, habits, and the regularity of actions in English.
Understanding the Frequency Scale
Always
100% of the time
Usually / Normally
80-90% of the time
Often / Frequently
60-70% of the time
Sometimes
40-50% of the time
Occasionally
20-30% of the time
Rarely / Seldom
5-10% of the time
Never
0% of the time
Position in a Sentence
1. Before the main verb: Adverbs of frequency typically come before the main verb in a sentence.
I always drink coffee in the morning.
She rarely watches television.
They sometimes go to the gym.
She rarely watches television.
They sometimes go to the gym.
2. After the verb “to be”: When the verb is a form of “to be” (am, is, are, was, were), the adverb comes after it.
He is usually on time.
We are often busy on weekends.
I am never late for meetings.
We are often busy on weekends.
I am never late for meetings.
3. With auxiliary verbs: When there’s an auxiliary verb (have, has, will, can, etc.), the adverb goes between the auxiliary and the main verb.
I have always loved music.
She will probably arrive soon.
They can sometimes be difficult.
She will probably arrive soon.
They can sometimes be difficult.
Test Your Understanding
Answer the following questions to check your comprehension of adverbs of frequency.
